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About Us

Preserving the natural resources, historic places, and working lands of Northeast Florida.

Our Mission

Broward Point Preserve is a non-profit established for the purpose of saving natural resources, fragile environments, and ecosystems from overdevelopment.

Our current campaign is for $5.5 million to purchase 130 acres located at Broward Road and North Main Street in Jacksonville, Florida. Once purchased, this land and waterway will be placed in a conservation easement and donated to the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens.

Make a Donation
Prospectus

Board Members

Mandi Hartley

Board Member
In addition to Mandi’s involvement with the PFA and PFA board at her daughter’s school, she is passionate about shaping the educational landscape as a volunteer for local board of education elections and is an active volunteer in her community. With a professional background in client relationship management for a national education company, Mandi has helped to contribute to the progress of schools across the state of New Jersey. Due to her outstanding commitment to community and growth, Mandi has recently been invited to join the Katz JCC Board of Directors in Cherry Hill, NJ. Mandi resides in Southern New Jersey with her Husband and two daughters. “My journey is fueled by connections, continuous learning, and making a positive impact on the world around me”.

Renee Johnson

Retired Senior Executive for Chase and Bank of America
Wildlife Rescue Devotee
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Once purchased, this land and waterway will be donated to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens and will serve three critical purposes:

The lush vegetation and fertile soil on the land will support the Zoo’s herbivore animals referred to as “Browsers” with an abundant food source.

The protected waterway will enhance the Zoo’s Manatee Rescue Program (One of only five in the state of Florida) and will provide a “safe harbor” release point for recovering Manatee, which is free of boat traffic and has an unpolluted natural food source of aquatic vegetation.

The natural forest and wildlife, many protected and endangered species, will become an educational backdrop for under privileged Urban children, offering them a unique experience to interact with nature.

Please donate today and help us save this pristine environment for future generations to enjoy.

Donate Now
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July 14 - Manatee Release - 07
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20210104_Manatee_Rescue_Mark_Sheppe (2)
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20190731_Edu_Outreach_Story_PreK_05
July 14 - Manatee Release - 07
DSC_0309
20210104_Manatee_Rescue_Mark_Sheppe (2)
WILD_Banner

Once purchased, this land and waterway will be donated to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens and will serve three critical purposes:

The lush vegetation and fertile soil on the land will support the Zoo’s herbivore animals referred to as “Browsers” with an abundant food source.

The protected waterway will enhance the Zoo’s Manatee Rescue Program (One of only five in the state of Florida) and will provide a “safe harbor” release point for recovering Manatee, which is free of boat traffic and has an unpolluted natural food source of aquatic vegetation.

The natural forest and wildlife, many protected and endangered species, will become an educational backdrop for under privileged Urban children, offering them a unique experience to interact with nature.

Please donate today and help us save this pristine environment for future generations to enjoy.

Donate Now
243

New Homes

Increased risk of resident safety

400

% Increase in Traffic

Significant increase in density

1

Entry/Exit Point

No proposed change to exit/entry

113.47

Acres of Land to Rezone

How You Can Make A Difference
If you are looking for a way to make a difference in the world, please consider donating today. We will put your donation towards Broward Point land preservation and conservation efforts that provide a habitat for wildlife, keep our water clean, and maintain green spaces where families can play together. The Broward Point Peninsula needs our help now more than ever before, and this is your chance to make an impact by donating today!
Donate Now

Local Expert Opinions

Natural Vegetation

Access to the Broward Point Preserve would provide Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens with an invaluable local source of vegetative material, called browse, to feed the animals in our care. This browse resource would be managed in a way that would not only provide browse for Jacksonville Zoo and Garden animal care but promote a healthy habitat for native flora and fauna.
Houston Snead
Conservation Officer

Manatee Safe Harbor

The Broward Point Preserve could serve as a nice, quiet release spot for animals that have been rehabilitated at our zoo. Free of boat traffic and pollutants, the Manatee already use this sheltered area to breed and provides a safe environment to feed on natural aquatic grasses.
Craig Miller
Curator of Mammals

Education Opportunity

Imagine a landscape without trees and green grass, a space with pavement and buildings. The sound of cars and machinery. A space without children’s laughter. Now, imagine a space with lush trees, shrubs and grass, a space that is natural. The sound of birds singing and frogs chirping. A space that fosters children to explore and discover animals and nature.

Nature play is defined as any activity that gets children active or thinking active outdoors, with the end goal of building skills and ability to play. Spending time in nature enhances educational outcomes by improving children’s academic performance, focus, behavior, and love of learning. Learning in a natural environment can:
- Boost performance in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies
- Enhance creativity, critical thinking and problem solving

Spending time in nature can help children focus their attention:
- Focus and attention increases while ADHD symptoms decrease

Exploration and discovery through outdoor experience can promote motivation to learn:
- Increases enthusiasm for learning and greater engagement with learning

Nature-based learning is associated with reduced aggression and fewer discipline problems.
Leanne White
Director of Education